My relationship with Cuba is limited to my participation in the XI World Festival of Youth and Students held in Havana in July 1978. The theme of the event was “anti-imperialist solidarity, peace and friendship”. It was attended by 145 countries. During July 1978, I also remember the military coup in Mauritania and the consequent liberation of the occupied territories in Western Sahara previously invaded by aforementioned country.

I went with the group Martyr Lualy, being my first participation with the band after its creation in 1976. We travelled to Cuba by ship from Oran. The ship was carrying delegations of African countries participating in the festival. The long trade took 15 days to Cuba. On board, we organized our particular concerts with the touring musicians. This cheerful mood made the journey more bearable. On the island, I stayed during the week-long festival.

At the time of our presentation, the Moroccan delegation attacked us throwing stones, tomatoes and eggs. At that moment, the Algerians and the Cuban security forces defended us. The festival organisation decided to cancel the participation of Morocco in this international event.

I had even less luck with CUBADISCO 30 years after 2008, dedicated to Africa and its diaspora. I was selected to attend but my new passport did not arrive on time. It was a shame because my oldest son was studying there and had double reason to go to Cuba.